Camping has always been something I have enjoyed since I was a little kid. I love the idea of being outside up until the late evening during the warm months, fishing, cooking over a fire, and all the things that just make Summer the elite season. As much as I still love camping and being out in nature, I definitely love a more combined experience where I can enjoy the river and the late night croaking of frogs, but also be able to shower and sleep in a cozy bed. This is where my love for glamping began. My first experience with glamping was back in 2021 when I visited a Yurt near Asheville North Carolina for my first solo trip. This changed my direction in what I wanted my outdoorsy life to look like. I’ve now stayed in multiple Glamping locations over the past few years, each one unique in it’s own way and I has only deepened my desire to travel more while still keeping in touch with the outdoors.
Roamstead Smoky Mountain Campground – A New Age of Camping
Roamstead is a campground located in Cosby Tennessee, just a few minutes after turning on to the Hooper Hwy. The idea of Roamstead was brought on while the owners where traveling across country. After noticing campground after campground that didn’t give the visitors what they were truly needing, which was a combination of the outdoors while maintaining comfort and recreation as well. The idea of going to a campground can be nerve wracking for a lot of people, especially one you’ve never been to. Showing up without an idea of what the campground has to offer, or even what the campground looks like. It’s no secret that many campgrounds out there don’t advertise the way they should, but it’s also no secret that sometimes there’s a reason for that. Roamstead leaves no room for imagination, fulfilling all of your questions before you even step foot on the property. Roamstead has ample photos that show you exactly what you will be getting upfront, via their gallery located on their website. Their booking site is seamless, and the entire experience is a 10 out of 10. Partnering with Roamstead was a pleasure from the very beginning. I had looked through Roamstead’s page before, while searching places in the Smoky Mountains. It stuck out to me immediately because of its amazing social media presence. Once me and Shannon, the Owner, got in contact I couldn’t wait to have the opportunity to stay at the campground. She gave me the dates, and I anticipated my trip immediately.
My Experience at Roamstead:
Arriving at Roamstead was easy, being as it’s directly off the road and impossible to miss. I arrived around 15 minutes early and walked in to the Main Building. Immedidately I recognized how modern and beautiful everything was. Their gift shop greets you with the cutest hats, camping needs, roasting marshmallow kits, and so many other cute things. The staff were also so sweet from the moment I got there. Checking in took a maximum of 5 minutes and they handed me 2 blank room cards along with a labeled map of the whole campground.
Parking was designated throughout the entire campground located strategically near the cabins, tents, or Main Building. Parking for our particular cabin was roughly 30 feet away from our front door. There are guided paths you can walk on to get you to your cabin, some are even lit up with night lights during the nighttime. For people who may be staying longer and packed more than a few bags, they offer convenient wagons that are parked right beside the cabins so you can easily pull your stuff right up to your door.
We got the opportunity to stay in Spruce Cabin 12. This cabin was located right along a small creek that you have the luxury of listening to while relaxing in the evening or enjoying your morning cup of coffee. While the cabins are close together we never had any issues with privacy or bumping in to anyone else. The cabins are all placed strategically alongside the Main Building and bordering the common area yard. The back end of all of the cabins face the main play yard. This makes it incredibly easy to walk right behind your cabin and be steps away from the fire pits, pool, and games.
When we first arrived it was pouring rain so I was eager to get inside. The cabin was immacutletly designed. You step directly in to the living/dining room area. This space can easily fit 2 people and a pet comfortably, built with towering ceilings, and an open complex. There was a wide, comfy couch that sat in the corner and overlooked the enourmous living room window that took up half of the wall. If you’ve seen my Tik Tok of my stay here, you’ll clearly be able to tell this was one of my favorite spots in the entire place. It’s so inviting as you can see everything including a beautiful view of the trees and creek. This was the spot I immediately cozied up in with my book and watched the rain fall for the rest of the evening.
Roamstead’s Coffee Shop/Main Building
Early the next morning I wanted to get a jump start on taking photos of the place and check out what all the store on site had to offer. I walked over to the storefront and stepped in to the dining area. The building itself looks like a large barndomenium container style building. Inside they have a few lodge rooms upstairs, as well as a separated area with tables for dining guests. Downstairs, there’s a gift shop, bar area, and living room style relaxing area. This space felt so cozy and you could easily spend your time here working or reading a book. There’s a couch and multiple comfy chairs situated around a wood burning fireplace, and even plenty of board games and books to keep everyone occupied. It bumps right up next to the bar area where you’re able to order food. With it being morning, I really wanted to try their tea and breakfast, so I tried their earl grey tea and their mini cinnamon rolls. The cinnamon rolls were incredible, they were served warm and tasted delicious. Not only do they have breakfast, they offer all kinds of food at Roamstead. They’re well known for their delicious homemade pizza’s, mini corn dogs, chicken tenders, and my absolute favorite, their Boozy Bourbon milkshake. I actually cannot say enough good things about this milkshake, it is an absolute MUST. We also tried their wood stove pizza on Friday night and it was heavenly. The hot honey thin crusted pizza was such a good combination of savory and sweet, and was exactly what we were looking for on our chilly night by the fire.
Accommodations on Site
If you take a walk around the campground you’ll quickly notice there are plenty of accommodations on site to meet any of your wants and needs. The Spruce Cabins, that we stayed in, were at the front of the campground. They are what I would consider a tiny house. Although there are multiple cabin options including Maple, Oak, Pine, and Spruce. Each are labeled with their own names separated by their unique features. Each cabin has a beautiful wooden front porch, all with a view of the nearby creek. Inside, the interior is beautifully decorated with modern pieces. Impeccably clean, walk in showers that are fully stocked, and a heat and A/C unit that heats or cools the entire unit within minutes. I would easily say any of these cabins would be perfect for a solo retreat to unwind, or a long weekend getaway with your partner.
Roamstead truly thought of it all, not only do they have cabins, there are other accommodations available as well. There are a few private tent areas that are directly beside the creek that look incredibly peaceful, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit ring. A short walk away there is also a beautifully set up yurt village available for rent, including a queen size bed and steps away from the creek. Don’t let the fear of glamping deter you, Roamstead gives all of their guests access to their impeccably clean and well stocked bathhouse. You truly can’t go wrong with whatever you choose, as every single option has stunning views and incredible accommodations all within a walking distance from the main common area.
Outdoor & Recreation
Roamstead is the only campground I’ve ever been to who has encompassed not only an impeccably clean environment but also such an eventful and fun atmosphere. You can find something to do at any hour of the day. There are multiple fire pits, a pool that’s open in the summer months, corn hole, a hammock, and they even play movies most days on a projector above the fireplace in the outside covered common area. In the common area there are also lots of games to play such as mini velcro axe throwing, giant Jenga, and corn hole. Roamstead is also known for hosting entertainment in the warmer months. If you’re interested in leaving the camp to explore, you’re conveniently right at the Great Smoky Mountains. There are plenty of things to do nearby like many hiking opportunities, exploring Gatlinburg, and taking a scenic drive through Cades Cove.
Would I recommend Roamstead?
I truly believe Roamstead is one of the best campgrounds I’ve visited so far. Every campground host I interacted with was incredibly kind and helpful. You don’t have to worry about your needs being met because Roamstead has thought of everything. From safety concerns, to delicious home cooked food, outdoor movies, swimming, nearby fishing and hiking, Roamstead’s got you covered. From the moment I stepped foot into our cabin, I felt the relaxing ambiance that the whole campground radiates. If you’re looking for a getaway weekend or simply passing through, there’s no where I’d recommend more. I will absolutely be back to experience Roamsteads one of a kind environment, soon.
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